Chapter 14: Pewter Gym Battle
In the afternoon, the sunlight was a bit glaring. Ash pressed down the brim of his cap and walked out of the Pokémon Center with Pikachu at his side.
Marching forward, full of energy~
Even though this was technically "the second time around," it was still the first Gym challenge of his life, and Ash couldn't help feeling fired up.
After lunch, Ash originally wanted to swing by the museum — maybe he'd get lucky and find some useful item.
But the Pewter Museum had been robbed two days ago. Rumor had it that a large number of fossil display models had been stolen.
The police were still investigating, and the museum was temporarily closed.
Ash was furious. What kind of idiot thief does that?
You have the ability to slip in and out of a heavily guarded museum without a trace…
And you steal a whole bag of fossil models!?
The total value doesn't even exceed three thousand bucks!!
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Pewter City, in a small hidden cave, three idiots were holding a celebration party.
"Cheers!" Jessie raised her beer can. "With this job done, we'll become famous overnight!"
"Overnight!" James and Meowth clinked their drinks with her.
"Once we unload these fossils, we'll finally be able to upgrade our gear," James said excitedly. "I can use my contribution points to get myself a Tyranitar.
And Jessie, you can get a Dragonair!"
"Grow big, grow strong, and shine again!"
"Meow-hahaha~ By then, Boss Giovanni will definitely pat my head in approval," Meowth said, covering his face and falling into a blissful fantasy.
The three switched on the small black-and-white TV beside them, preparing to watch the news coverage of their "heroic feat."
[Live report: Early this morning, a group of thieves suspected to be Team Rocket infiltrated the Pewter Museum and stole a large number of fossil display models.
Although the total value is low, the impact is terrible. The police have issued warrants. Citizens are urged to cooperate.]
Crack.
The trio froze.
They slowly turned to look at their so-called "loot."
Their expressions turned to stone… and then shattered all over the ground…
"Wha… what an awful feeling…"
...
Pewter Gym, one of the landmark buildings of Pewter City, sat on the outer ring of the city. Passing through the rock-themed entrance, one could see a modern sports arena.
Far from the traditional warehouse-like structure Ash remembered, the gym before him was futuristic and full of technological flair.
As Ash approached the door, two young trainees stepped forward to block him.
"This is Pewter Gym. No entry for unrelated individuals," said the girl in the JK uniform sternly.
"I'm here for a Gym challenge." Ash stated it plainly.
"Gym Leader Brock isn't someone just anyone can challenge," the male trainee said proudly.
Ash tilted his head. "Huh?"
The two looked him over. The girl asked, "How long have you been a trainer?"
Ash answered honestly, "Less than half a month…"
"Pfft. That's it? And you dare challenge the Gym? I bet you can't even pass the first test," the boy scoffed.
"Oh~ is that so?"
Ash rolled his wrist slightly — getting a bit fired up.
Fortunately, Brock's voice rang out just in time.
"Oh, Ash, you're here. You two — he's my guest."
"Huh?"
The two trainees froze for a moment, then politely stepped aside.
"Come in." Brock nodded with a smile, and Ash followed him into the gym.
"Normally, complete rookies like you — those without any badges — must first pass the Gym trainees' tests. Only after defeating them can they meet the Gym Leader," Brock explained patiently.
Ash nodded silently.
No wonder Gym Leaders were held in higher regard now — in this timeline, Gyms had clearly become more professional.
The two walked down a corridor and entered the spotlight-lit main arena.
Sand-covered ground, towering jagged rocks on all sides — this was Pewter City's Rock Field!
Brock stepped into the Gym Leader's position and asked seriously, "Let me confirm again — how long have you been traveling with your Pokémon?"
Ash answered straightforwardly, "Ten days…"
"Mm. That's the perfect time for strong bonds to form," Brock nodded.
He slid his hand across a row of buttons on the wall and pressed one.
A mechanical tray extended out. After thinking for a moment, Brock selected two Poké Balls from it.
"In that case, I'll use two beginner-level Pokémon to battle you," Brock said with a smile.
Ash felt a jolt of tension.
As expected — the Gym in this world didn't pull punches.
Depending on the challenger's ability, Gym Trainers chose a team of similar level for a fair battle.
After all, Gym battles were teaching matches. Crushing beginners outright wouldn't teach them anything…
"I'm ready." Ash nodded seriously.
"Good spirit. Then — let the match begin!" Brock announced.
Beep!
The large display on the side lit up, showing portraits of both Ash and Brock.
"The Pewter Gym official match… begins now!"
A trainee referee dashed forward and took his position.
"Let's go. My first Pokémon is this one."
Brock tossed out a Poké Ball.
"Hei-saa!"
A Geodude with thick, muscular rock arms appeared on the field.
"Geodude, huh~ how nostalgic~" Ash murmured softly, then pressed his cap and threw his Poké Ball.
"Squirtle, I choose you!"
"A Water-type Squirtle against a Geodude — a solid advantage choice," Brock complimented. "Looks like your fundamentals are firm."
The referee chopped his hand downward. "Begin!"
"Squirtle, Bubble!" Ash took the initiative.
"Squirt!"
Squirtle opened its mouth and shot a stream of bubbles at Geodude.
[TL: U can't unsee what u have seen.]
A perfect move to test defenses and obscure vision.
Even Brock had no complaints about the choice.
"Geodude, Defense Curl!" Brock responded calmly.
Pshhh!
The bubbles burst over Geodude, who braced himself and held his ground.
"Tch. Even with a 4× Water weakness, it didn't faint?" Ash frowned.
"Geodude, go straight into Rollout!" Brock counterattacked.
Geodude curled up and rolled forward like a boulder, thundering toward Squirtle.
"Squirtle, withdraw into your shell!" Ash abandoned offense and prepared for impact.
Rock-types had physical toughness second only to Steel-types — solid as iron.
Basic tackles or Quick Attacks barely tickled them.
Seeing Squirtle hide in its shell, Brock smiled. "As expected — you really have a good grasp of battle flow. Is that talent?"
Ash stared intently.
At the moment Squirtle was knocked into the air, he shouted:
"Now! Use Water Gun!"
"Squirt—!!乀(ˉeˉ乀)"
Squirtle popped out of his shell and blasted a powerful Water Gun straight at Geodude.
Boom!
So close — Geodude had no chance to dodge.
The Water Gun swept upward, hitting Geodude dead-on.
Crash!!
The impact sent Geodude flying, smashing through two rocks before stopping.
One hit — fainted instantly.
"Geodude is unable to battle!" the referee announced, stunned.
The two gatekeeping trainees watching from the side gasped.
"He actually won that fast!? This rookie's got real skill!"
Brock nodded with satisfaction.
"Great timing. A little risky — you're the intuitive, flash-of-inspiration type."
Ash grinned.
"Just now you asked me if my battling ability was talent…
My answer is — it's the result of me and my Pokémon working hard together."
"Squirt~ squirt!"
The little round-head stood proudly, hands on hips.
Brock couldn't help smiling.
"Good.
But your next opponent… won't be so easy."
"Onix, go!"
RUMBLE—!!
The giant serpent-like body nearly reached the ceiling, overwhelming and imposing.
But what puzzled Brock was — his opponent wasn't scared.
Ash actually looked… excited?
Ash smiled faintly.
"It's time to show the results of our Mt. Hideaway training."
To be continued…